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Could becoming a subcontractor be the right move for your career? First, you'll need to understand what the job is and what goes into it. With the right experience and license, you can work as a subcontractor under general contractors and take on a wide range of lucrative job opportunities.

Common Types of Subcontractors

Subcontractors can include professionals in a variety of trades such as electricians, plumbers, concrete finishers, roofers, HVAC installers, and more. Each works by bringing their own tools, processes, and knowledge to meet the requirements that a general contractor isn't handling in-house.

How Subcontractors Get Jobs

Submitting bids or proposals for jobs is a common part of how subcontractors operate. They also often form lasting connections with other contractors to collaborate on projects. In any case, they must plan and price their job to align with the overall project and clearly lay out the scope of their responsibilities.

Daily Subcontractor Responsibilities

During day-to-day work, subcontractors will send out their crews, stage material, and complete installations. That can include everything from rough-in to finishing and inspection. The specific tasks required will vary by the field of experience they specialize in, but the overall idea remains the same.

Coordinating as a Subcontractor

Coordination is key for subcontractors, as they work under general contractors and alongside other subs. Coordinating across trades to manage scheduling and logistics is vital to delivering a successful project. Material and equipment lead times also play a major role in scheduling.

Keeping Up With Code Compliance

Delivering compliant work is essential for any type of subcontractor. Following local building codes, job specifications, and manufacturer installation instructions ensures the final result meets the high standards they are expected to deliver.

Managing Submittals, RFIs, and Change Orders

Submittals, requests for information (RFIs), and change orders are all types of documents subcontractors must know how to navigate. The ongoing project documentation ensures that conflicts and change orders capture scope accurately, helping avoid schedule and budget disputes.

Insurance and Risk Management

Subcontractors are independent businesses. As such, they take on liability and risk. Having insurance to cover that liability is essential, and there are also workers' compensation requirements when a subcontractor has employees. Bonding is another potential requirement for some larger jobs.

Subcontractor Licenses

Depending on your area and the specific trade you're working in, subcontractors can face a variety of licensing requirements. Make sure to check with your state license board to be sure. In most cases, these licenses require a certain level of experience and passing an exam.

If you are planning on getting your license, make sure to track your experience carefully. Keep records of your apprenticeship hours, payroll, and any training certificates you receive. This will help make the licensing process move more smoothly and avoid any issues.

Taking the Next Step to Get Your License

Are you planning to take your subcontractor's license exam soon? RocketCert is here to prepare you for any type of subcontractor's license exam. We provide an extensive range of self-paced prep courses to get ready for the specific exam you're taking. Put your best foot forward and advance in your career with RocketCert today.